YOUNG Irishman Paul Dunne produced the round of his life to become the first winner of a North-East held British Masters for 45 years - and then paid tribute to the Close House course he tamed.

The 24-year-old initially toppled the challenge of Hartlepool’s very own Graeme Storm to take over at the top of the leaderboard before holding off the best efforts of a certain Rory McIlroy to land the coveted £500,000 prize.

It was Dunne’s first European Tour title, having shot to prominence two years ago as an amateur at the Open when he led after 54 holes.

The Greystones golfer carded a sensational nine-under 61 to blitz the field on the final day to finish with a 20 under total; three clear of McIlroy and four ahead of Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.

Storm’s chances faded after a number of missed opportunities, particularly on the Par 5s, even though he still posted a respectable 67 for the third day in a row to end in a tie for fourth on 14 under.

The final round ended up being all about Dunne, though, and he will never forget his appearance at Close House when he became British Masters champion – like Bob Charles did in 1972 when the tournament was held at Northumberland Golf Club.

He said: “It was great. The course was hilly, lots of elevation change. It was in great condition. The fairways were wide, which kind of fit into my game a little bit because when I struggled this year, it's been with accuracy off the tee. So there was more emphasis on iron play and short game, which suits me.

“But I enjoyed the course. The fact that I haven't been out here that long, playing a brand new course, probably suits me. Because we go to some of these other courses and players have played them for 25 years in a row, so they have a lot more course knowledge than I would going to a venue.

“I know they like to move this event around; I think it's that's a good idea. Kind of a fresh challenge every year. But the course played great. The greens were tricky to read. I think on Friday afternoon, they got really bumpy, but I think that was because of the rain in the morning and I was out second-last. It’s been great.”

McIlroy birdied five of the last seven holes to real turn up the heat on his less experienced rival by posting a 63. Rather than buckle, however, Dunne revelled in the situation and turned on the style.

He finished with two birdies, including a brilliant chip in at the last. Dunne said: “Obviously any time I can beat a field of this quality - you know, I don't know how many, but I know there's a lot of players in the world Top-50 here. That obviously gives me a sense of satisfaction to know that I can beat players of that calibre.

“The fact that Rory came second, Shane Lowry came seventh, that's just great for Irish golf too. It doesn't matter who comes second; as in, I don't mind who's name is behind me.

“If it's Rory or anybody else, I'm just trying to shoot a lower score than everyone else. When I was out there, I wasn't thinking too much about it, but I knew, knowing who he was, that he had the firepower to reach 17 with his tee shot. So I kind of just assumed he was going to play the last three in at least 2-under par. But you know, I'm happy to hold off anybody if I win.”

More than 60,000 spectators watched the action at Close House over the four days, with the draw of McIlroy a huge factor. He was not too despondent after missing out on the big prize.

He said: “Going out two behind, shooting seven-under, you would think you would have a great chance. Just shows how well Paul played to shoot 61, and to win his first Tour event is incredibly impressive. He fully deserves it.

“I'm happy with how I played and don't feel like I could have done much more. Some weeks, close to your best haven't quite good enough this week and Paul was the best man this week.”